What is a load-bearing joist?

Walls that run perpendicular to the ceiling joists.





Walls that run perpendicular (at a 90 degree angle) to the ceiling joists are load-bearing. Walls that run parallel (in the same direction) as the ceiling joints are non load-bearing.

How much weight can 2×10 floor joists hold?

2×10 floor joists are designed to hold a 40 pound per square foot (psf) live load, plus a 10 psf dead load. Span tables indicate distance maximums for floor joists, with distances indicating the maximum length a 2×10 can span while still able to hold a 40 psf live load.

What is the minimum bearing required for a wood joist?

11/2 inches

2.2 Bearing. The ends of each joist shall have not less than 11/2 inches (38 mm) of bearing on wood or metal, or not less than 3 inches (76 mm) on masonry, except where supported on a 1-inch by 4-inch (25 mm by 102 mm) ribbon strip and nailed to the adjoining stud.

Are 2×6 OK for floor joists?





2x6s may be used for floor joists, ceiling joists, or rafters and have differing spans for the same grades and species. Loads are divided into live or snow loads and dead load considerations. A plank used for a floor joist commonly has different load factors than a ceiling joist or rafter.

Can you remove part of a load-bearing wall?

After all, in most homes you can remove as much as you wish of a load-bearing wall, but it has a lot to do with what’s inside the wall, and how you plan to redistribute the weight. Load-bearing walls are critical to the structure of your home.

Are walls around stairs load-bearing?

I’ll put it simply – unless you hear otherwise from a professional, the walls around your stairs are load bearing.

How much weight can 2×8 joists hold?

A 2×8 will adequately support a dead load of 20 psf and a live load of 40 psf depending on some factors, including allowable span. This equates to a total load of 60 psf. Therefore, for a 2x8x10, the total load would equal 600 pounds per lineal foot.

Can a 2×10 span 16 feet?



Douglas fir 2-by-10 joists graded as “Structural Select” allows joist spans up to 21 feet for a live load of 30 pounds per square foot when spaced 12 inches apart, 19 feet 1 inch for 16 inch spacing and 16 feet 8 inches for 24 inch spacing.

How far can a 2×10 joist span without support?

A #2-2×10 joist can span between 11′-5” and 18′-0”, as a rafter between 13′-9” and 21′-7”, and as a beam 3′-6” and 13′-0” or more. The span depends on spacing, lumber species, and grade, and for a beam, the lamination thickness, as well as numerous other factors.

How much weight can a 2×6 support?

According to the Codes, a 2×6 on edge with the weight pressing through 5.5” of wood will support approximately 53lbs per linear foot. So, an 8-foot length will support about 424lbs. However, a short span 2×6 on edge can support between 600 and 900lbs depending on wood species, grade, and other factors.

How far can a 2×6 joist span without support?



2-grade 2×6 joists can span up to 10 feet 9 inches from beam to beam when spaced the standard 16 inches apart with a maximum live load of 30 inches per square foot. In comparison, No. -1 grade lumber can span slightly further to 10 feet 11 inches under the same parameters.

How far can a 2×8 joist span without support?

In general, a 2×8 will span 1.5 x 8, so 12-feet. Based on all factors though, a 2×8 joist span is 7′-1” to 16′-6”, and a rafter 6′-7” and 23′-9”. In this guide, we’ll explain what span means in terms of construction, factors that impact the span, and how much weight a 2×8 can support.

Can I use 2×8 for deck joists?

2×8 for joists will be fine, with 16″ OC. Should use 2×10 for beams but 2×8 will be fine as well. If you are worried you can triple the 2×8 for the beams but double will be sufficient. You should put the beams at 7 and 14 feet out from the house, with the piers you should do 3 per beam with spacing of 1, 7, 13.

What size beam do I need to span 16 feet?

For a 16 foot span, you will need atleast 3-2×14 or 6×14 size of wood beam. Thus, a 3 nailed 2×14 or 3-2×14 or 6×14 wood beam can allow to span 16 feet. For a 16-foot spans, the wood beam has to be at least 14 inches in depth and 6″ in width (3-2×14) used for residential building, wood frame structure or projects.

How much weight can joist hangers hold?



These hangers are bent to 45 degrees and can be installed with joist hanger nails using the same method as straight joist hangers. Angled joist hangers should be available at your local lumberyard for 2×6 and 2×10.
Joist Hanger Vertical Capacity.

Joist Size Min Capacity lbs
2×6 400
2×8 500
2×10 600
2×12 700

Are joist hangers necessary?

Are Joist Hangers Necessary? No, joist hangers are not necessary.

Is it better to screw or nail joist hangers?

Screws are Better for Angle Joist Hanger Fasteners



Makes an unbeatable combination. Making the best deck joist hanger connection for strength is #10 1-1/2 x 0.148″ Hot Dip Galvanized nails for the hanger face connection to the ledger or beam and SD CONNECTOR Screw #10 x 2-1/2″ for the angle connections.

How much weight can a 2×4 joist hanger support?

When standing vertically, such as when it functions as a stud, a 2×4 can hold about 1,000 pounds. A 2×4 can hold up to 40 pounds or 300 pounds when laying on its edge without sagging when laying horizontally.

How much weight can an 8 foot 2×4 support horizontally?

Horizontally, a 2×4 can hold a uniform load somewhere between 20 and 40 pounds per linear foot depending on many factors like species, grade, load, and span.

How much weight can 2 2×4 hold horizontally?

An acceptable amount of weight for a 2×4 to hold horizontally is more like 20 pounds.